Joe Satriani: What Happens Next

Issue #54

Just a day before the 'What Happens Next' official album release, Joe Satriani will reignite his G3 tour entity with a brand new line-up. Since its debut in 1996, Joe's G3 tours have consistently featured the world’s greatest guitarists including, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Steve Lukather, Robert Fripp Guthrie Govan and many more.
Jonathan Graham

Joe Satriani is back with an incredible new album, 'What Happens Next.' With the release set for January 12, 2018 (via Sony/Legacy Recordings) Guitar Interactive Magazine editor Jonathan Graham caught up with the instrumental guitar pioneer to discuss the latest record as well as the recent announcement of a major G3 tour beginning early in the new year.

After writing and recording fifteen solo albums and contributing some immense guitar skills to countless other projects over the course of three decades, one could potentially find themselves a little lacking for inspiration or fresh ideas. That is not the story of Joe Satriani. Make no mistake, the title of this record 'What Happens Next' is no question. It's an emphatic statement of musical direction from one of the finest melodic guitar players to ever pick up the instrument.

The new, electrifying instrumental album (Joe's 16th) features a power trio of legitimately legendary status; with Satch on guitar, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/Black Country Communion) and drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). The latter reuniting with Satriani for the first time since their stellar work in the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot.

These new songs vibrate the soul with an energy rarely found these days. From the dynamic opening track, “Energy”, to the majestic lines and crunching riffs of “Thunder High On The Mountain”, and the easy, relaxed vibe of “Smooth Soul”. This exceptional rock-rhythm section gifts every song on 'What Happens Next' with a depth of groove that truly sets it apart from Satriani's previous offerings.

In the creation of this new release, Joe was once again joined by producer/engineer/mixer Mike Fraser, his frequent collaborator over the last 20 years. Fraser is arguably best known for recording/mixing every AC/DC album since 1990’s 'The Razors Edge' along with his previous work with Satch which date back to 'Crystal Planet' in 1998.

'What Happens Next' is available for pre-order on Amazon and is scheduled to be released on Jan. 12, 2018.

'What Happens Next' Track Listing:

1 – Energy

2 – Catbot

3 - Thunder High On The Mountain

4 - Cherry Blossoms

5 – Righteous

6 - Smooth Soul

7 - Headrush

8 - Looper

9 - What Happens Next

10 - Super Funky Badass

11 - Invisible

12 - Forever And Ever

Just a day before the 'What Happens Next' official album release, Joe Satriani will reignite his G3 tour entity with a brand new line-up. Since its debut in 1996, Joe's G3 tours have consistently featured the world’s greatest guitarists including, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Steve Lukather, Robert Fripp Guthrie Govan and many more. The 2018 edition will be no exception, with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and Def Leppard lead guitarist, Phil Collen set to join Satriani on the road.

The tour begins on January 11 in Seattle, WA and continues across the U.S. before winding up the US leg on February 25 in Milwaukee, WI. G3 then makes its way to Europe in March with the addition of Uli Jon Roth taking the place of Phil Collen for those dates.

Concerning how G3 has become such a concert hall sell-out attraction across the globe Satriani states;

“I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way, I’m not. I really think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun; it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show!”

For decades, the guitar virtuoso has travelled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as a solo artist, band member in Chickenfoot and founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. Joe Satriani's unique signature style continues to redefine instrumental guitar music, and rock and roll for that matter. So what happens next, Joe? I for one can't wait to find out.